A working forest in Mid Wales has been brought to market with a £27.5m plus price tag.
Llanbrynmair Forest, one of the largest privately owned commercial forests in Wales, is being marketed by Savills.
The 5,342 acre site is made up of a number of individual plantations brought together under single ownership.
The current owner of the forest investment has not been disclosed.
James Adamson, head of forestry investment at Savills, said: “Due to the limited size of the UK market finding a single commercial forest of this scale and productive capacity is very rare indeed. This property therefore represents a significant investment opportunity with an excellent long-term revenue forecast from timber sales.
"This is effectively a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
The first commercial planting took place in 1960 and the forest was established over multiple-phases, with the most recent replanting taking place this year.
Its main species is Sitka Spruce, which accounts for more than 70% of the total area.
Harvesting only started in the last five years, meaning that the forest will have a regular supply of timber at production age over the next 20 years.
Recent research from Savills shows the capital market for forestry and woodland is thriving with a further rise in average values recorded in 2018, continuing a trend that began in the early 2000s.
Rising values are being driven by long-term interest in timber as a commodity, and the ability to purchase a large stock of timber effectively allows investors to ‘store value’, which is attractive in a low interest rate environment.
Savills director, Rhydian Scurlock-Jones said: “In the context of the local market, this forest is exceptional. The average woodland plot sale equates to around 37 acres, therefore there has been little scope for institutional investors to buy here over recent years.”
“Furthermore forests in Wales are known to achieve good timber prices and Llanbrynmair Forest is well-located in a renowned growing area.
"The property also has wider appeal. There is scope for wind energy development and there is an option agreement over the site with a wind energy developer.
"There is also an opportunity to blend a commercial forestry investment with potential peatland and habitat restoration in areas where average timber growth is slower."
